According to legend, Geommu (검무, 劍舞) originated during the later portion of the Three Kingdoms of Korea with estimates placing it near 660 AD. It was then danced primarily by Gisaeng during the Joseon period.
South Korea recognized the Geommu of Jinju as the 12th National Intangible Cultural Heritage in 1967.
The art today
Geommu is often performed at demonstrations of traditional martial arts and for competitions of Korean saber in which it is part of certain schools curriculum for high level grades. Check out our 2-day trips to go watch a performance. And if you feel like trying for yourself, check out our try-out experiences in Seoul.